Experience is your passport to a career in travel

Experience is your passport to going far in the travel industry - that was the message given to young people at a conference hosted by the University of Derby in Buxton.
 
The University’s Head of Hotel, Resort and Spa Management, Dr Sarah Rawlinson, told students at the Institute of Travel and Tourism’s Future You event that degrees at Buxton had been shaped by the knowledge of what kind of person the industry wanted to employ, with real-world experience built in to the courses.
 
“What the industry is looking for are graduates who know how to do the job,” said Dr Rawlinson, who was one of the first people to gain a diploma from the Institute before starting her own career in travel.
 
“Not only have they learned about the theory, but as part of the degree programme, they have done the job.”
 
This was made possible by the University’s wide range of partners and contacts in the industry, including Chatsworth, whose head of marketing Sally Ambrose was also a speaker.

 
As well as outlining her “dream job” at the stately home – which is now second only to Buckingham Palace in popularity with American and Chinese tourists - Sally gave the future tourism managers in the audience tips on how to further their careers.
 
Getting experience, finding out how things work on a day-to-day basis and networking were all vital, but she added: “Once you’ve got that hands-on experience and the knowledge from your course, make sure you demonstrate your passion for the sector.”
 
Other speakers included Nieves Gonzalez from the Future You event headline sponsor BH Mallorca, which is developing the world’s first 18-plus waterpark; Perfect Weddings Abroad, three times voted Best Specialist Weddings Abroad and  Honeymoons Operator; wedding venue Shottle Hall; STA Travel, a Manchester-based travel agency specialising in adventure holidays; Stella Travel Services and Co-operative Travel Management.
 
The conference was open to undergraduates and students on further education travel courses.